Assassin's Creed II: Discovery

 DS
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. GameSpot
    70
    In spite of some nagging issues, this 2D platformer is fun to play and captures the spirit of the series.
  2. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    While Assassin's Creed II: Discovery isn't going to revolutionise the DS, it gives you the chance to enjoy solidly executed and fast-paced, platforming action.
  3. Nintendo Power
    70
    Assassin's Creed II: Discovery does an admirable job of tying together platforming, combat, and stealth without having any of those game styles feel like a particular weakness. [Jan 2010, p.89]
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  5. SpazioGames
    65
    Assassin's Creed II: Discovery is a step forward compared to his predecessor, but it doesn't feel like it's been developed with the NDS in mind, because of the lack of any touch screen interactions. The gameplay is too linear and sometimes repetitive. All in all, you might consider it only if you're a big fan of the brand, but there's no other reason to get excited.
  6. Games Master UK
    63
    Grinds to a standstill. [Feb 2010, p.73]
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  7. Multiplayer.it
    60
    Regardless of its faults, Assassin's Creed II: Discovery is a far better game than its prequel. With the idea of imitating the original design dropped for good, Discovery feels now like a traditional side-scrolling platform. In the end the game mixes a good level design with flat pace, simple fights and boring, frustrating stealth sessions.
  8. Eurogamer Italy
    60
    Undoubtedly, Ezio Auditore is a better assassin than his predecessor, but Discovery is just a pretty, short platform game. Nothing else.
  9. Meristation
    60
    It's a good game, with great visuals, gameplay and interesting features. But, unfortunately, it's extremely short and some mechanics just don't work. It's a shame, seeing all its potential, that the game ends up being just an interesting entry in the series.
  10. 1UP
    58
    In the end, I felt that Discovery was a smart representation of Assassin's Creed on the DS, but the game feels a little incomplete. Ezio, and you, has no real end goal other than to survive and get back to the main quest... in the console version of Assassin's Creed 2.
  11. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    55
    A missed opportunity to right the first game's wrongs. A by-the-numbers platforming experience.
  12. Everyeye.it
    50
    Even if characters and events are charming and thrilling, gameplay mechanics are dull and a bit flat.
  13. D+PAD Magazine
    50
    As it stands, Griptonite offer fun, but disposable thrills which amount to a title tough to recommend outside of series completists. On the other hand, if Ezio the Hedgehog speed-running and stealth are what you need, this might yet become a worthwhile discovery.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best DS Game of 2009
32
#32 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
29
#29 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 39
  3. Negative: 7 out of 39
  1. Blahguy126
    Feb 22, 2013
    9
    I was a bit of a fan of the console versions of Assassin's Creed II, and when I saw this at the game store, I thought it would be a neatI was a bit of a fan of the console versions of Assassin's Creed II, and when I saw this at the game store, I thought it would be a neat sequel with some gimmicks. I underestimated this game: It has great voice acting (Escpecially for a DS game), ingenious combat, great platforming, and the entire game is rather long and has perfect pacing... Not to mention some of the best looking visuals I've seen on a DS. The only problem I can think of with this game is that the platforming sometimes seems repedetive, but for me that's easily overshadowed by the combat, which for me was the highlight of the game. It has a great stealth mechanic that plays like, if not better than, the console versions. It's probably the best a 2d stealth game gets.… Full Review »
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 1, 2023
    6
    Despite its flaws - the small screen means there are one too many blind jumps and off-screen enemies - this is quite an enjoyable littleDespite its flaws - the small screen means there are one too many blind jumps and off-screen enemies - this is quite an enjoyable little stealth combat platform game. A bit one note but solidly done.… Full Review »
  3. ninjaguy454
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    AC II: Discovery was a pleasant and much needed improvement over its predecessor. The game feels much more akin to the Chronicle series and itAC II: Discovery was a pleasant and much needed improvement over its predecessor. The game feels much more akin to the Chronicle series and it seems to take the mold of what that series became.

    Gameplay-wise, the game has been converted to a 2-d sidescrolling stealth game as opposed to a 2.5 or 3D game like Altair's Chronicles. I think this did wonders to help streamline the gameplay and allow the developers to really focus on that over a 3D environment they simply would not be able to replicate on the DS.

    There are a few different gameplay modes where you are either doing stealth missions, escape, or free roam and they are all fun in their own way. The combat was simplified over the first title and it was needed. The game wants you to avoid combat, but when you engage in it, it is typically a quick skirmish of timing your blocks and attacks right. It feels rewarding.

    On top of that, you are rewarded for how well you play through missions and are scored based on that. If you wish, you can use these score points to buy unlockables for your character in the main menu (kinda like unlocking cheats). I think this does a great deal to incentivize the player to carefully play through each level and also allows them to lower the difficulty if they desire. It is a very rewarding system.

    I noticed almost no lag while playing, it was buttery smooth. This was significant over AC 1 where it was nearly unplayable at times. Even though the graphics were simplified, the environment still looks good and is much more stylistic.

    The sound effects are pretty great as well, although the music appears to be hard to hear most of the time, which to me isn't a big deal. But it is nice to listen to a good soundtrack while playing an equally good game.

    Overall Assassin's Creed II: Discovery is a superb DS title and one I would consider a must-play and would recommend to anyone looking for another great game to play while revisiting the system.    … Full Review »
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